Successful response to Fayre in the Square event

ORGANISERS of a new spring bank holiday event in Weymouth have had an overwhelming response from the public.

The phone has hardly stopped ringing at the Rotary Club of Weymouth’s office at Pilgrim House with inquiries about Fayre in the Square.

Rotarians are thrilled with the positive response to their plans for a fun-filled family event in Hope Square for Sunday, May 25 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 26.

While not replacing Trawler Race Day, which used to be on the Whitsun bank holiday, the event is a new attraction for Weymouth that will entice more people over to the Hope Square side of the harbour.

The programme is almost full for entertainment and live music acts but sponsorship is still being sought to pay for things on the day and ensure a worthy sum is raised for local charities.

Businesses can join a ‘50 club’ where 50 firms donate £50.

Fayre in the Square aims to provide a community event for locals and visitors, with the emphasis on family entertainment.

It will also give a boost to local businesses.

Raising money for local charities, it is hoped it will become an annual attraction.

Dennis Corbett from the Rotary Club said: “Since the story was published in the Echo we’ve had all sorts of positive responses, it’s been great.

“People I bump into in the street have been saying they love the idea and one bed and breakfast owner has been using the event as part of her promotion publicity to attract visitors.

“We couldn’t have asked for anything better for the launch of Fayre in the Square.”

Among those responding to Rotary after seeing the Echo article was Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Ray Banham who would like to book a performance slot for the female harmony group he manages, the Decadettes.

Coun Banham said of the event: “It’s a fantastic idea.

“The Hope Square area is gradually coming to life again and this will help to kick things off.

“We lost Jazz in June and Trawler Race but Fayre in the Square will help to revitalise the place.”

It is proposed to set up a stage in Hope Square where bands such as Replay and Silhouettes will perform. Charity, food and commercial stalls will line the road up towards Town Bridge and there will be street entertainment.